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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Where Does the Time Go???

It's hard to believe that January is half over already.

Wasn't it just New Year's Day not to long ago???

Since the holidays are over, I feel so much better. My positive outlook on life has returned and the winter depression has lifted. Maybe from now on I should say I suffer mainly from the Family Obligation and Expectation Depression with the all expense paid guilt trip thrown in!

Next year I will be making it perfectly clear well in advance that there will be no participation on my part in any holiday celebrations. None what-so-ever!

So on to January and a new creative energy boost.

I think in my last post I mentioned that I would be a test knitter for a vest pattern designed by Julie at Knitting at Large. There have been a few glitches in the pattern so that is on hold for the moment. Isabell was looking forward to this project. She had taken the yarn into her own paws and was ready to help.

But now we have to wait!

In the meantime, I'll be starting on a sweater for my Mom that will be a smaller version of the a-line cardigan with the collar that I made for myself.

Not to worry, there are other fun things that Izzy can help with. Like helping me finish up stuffing the bunnies. Would you believe there isn't a scrap of poly stuffing anywhere in the house when I really need it. But this bag of washed wool fleece will work just as well. I had cleaned this wool many years ago and must have been a little too vigorous because it's slightly felted in some places. Not good for spinning, but makes fine stuffing. And cat beds.

The finished bunnies.

I've been working on my Izannah Walker inspired doll using the Dixie Redmond instructions.

The basic body is cloth and the head and shoulder plate is then covered and sculpted of paper clay.

I have never used this product before, but am finding it easy to work with. It dries nicely without cracks.

My helpers are nearby as usual. Several times this morning Isobell has emptied my plastic water container onto the floor and Penny likes to chew the bristles of the paint brushes.

I've drawn on the outline of the hair and features just for reference. It still needs several coats of paint.

I'm certainly no sculptor, but this is fun. I'm pleased with the results so far. Brad and Kami and I went to Needle and Thread near Gettysburg several days ago and I purchased two Civil War era reproduction fabrics to make dresses. By my next post I'm hoping to be ready to start the clothing.

And yes, I've been getting out of the house! Horay! Even on some of the coldest days of the month so far, I've been out doing errands and taking small trips.

Last week my friend Marian and I went on an international grocery excursion to Frederick, Maryland. And would you believe I didn't take any pictures! I guess the moment just swept every thought of the camera out of my head. Any way, we had fun visiting two Indian groceries and a Mexican bakery, all of which were along Route 40 west of Frederick. Then we went back to Hagerstown and ate at an Indian restaurant (I think it was called Sitar) that's in the shopping complex across from the Valley Mall.

It was an excellent day! I came home exhausted. It's been a while since I've worn myself out having fun spending the day with a friend. Thanks, Marian!!!

Goodies from the bakery. The layered pastry with cream filling at the top right was soooo yummy.

I just couldn't resist these tiny eggplants at the Indian grocery.

I thought they were baby eggplants, but when I cut them open, they had fully developed seeds. Must be a miniature variety. The green vegetable is a bottle gourd. I stir fried the veggies and the gourd was very much like zucchini but it wasn't as watery and didn't get mushy when cooked. Maybe we'll try some in the garden this year.

Hope the year is off to a good start for all of you.

My only regret is... Please, don't shoot me!!! We haven't had any yet....

Maybe we could have just one nice wintry snow storm so we don't forget what time of year it is.

I love sitting inside warming my hands with a cup of hot chocolate and some wooly craft work in progress watching the snow fall!

Pat, It's wonderful to hear how things have changed for you. I'm so happy for you! The bunnies are adorable. Might have to add that to my "to do" list one day. And that sculpting, wow. You never cease to amaze me. Such talent :)!So happy to hear that you got out of the house. Maybe one day we'll see you at the hook in. Perhaps when it gets a tad warmer! Everyone would love to see ya!! Have fun with that knitting project. Can't wait till the glitches are fixed and we can see an update!

Oh my goodness! Your doll is looking wonderful!!! The stitches and sculpting amazing! So happy to hear that you are getting out of the house and finding some good spots to visit! I completely understand about the holiday, obligation depression thingy... I think that's what happens to a lot of us... I gave up on the whole thing last year and this Christmas was the best for us in a long time! Tree, food and peace! Ahhhhh...

P.S. You can keep those snow wishes to a minimum pleeeeeeeese! lol! ;-)

Hi Pat,Enjoyed your post! Your thoughts of Spring and wonderful creations are uplifting this winter weary soul! Love the bunnies and it's so amazing all the things you can do! The doll is gorgeous! It has to be all that wonderful help you have there!! :-)So glad you are able to get out and about and enjoy time with friends! It really makes the time fly!Will be waiting to see the results of the knitting and more of your lovely creations! p.s. be careful what you wish for..... mother nature has a way of getting her wires crossed when it comes to amounts and length of time!! LOL!Hugs!Cathy G

Time has indeed flown, December is a long-gone blur and I too can hardly believe we are deep in January already!!! The bunnies are just adorable beyond words and I can't believe that you sculpted the doll's head yourself, I don't think there is anything beyond your skilled hands and imagination.

So glad you are out and about again, I always enjoy the pictures of your food adventures :-) We had our first storm last Friday, everything looked beautiful covered in snow, our dog Rio had so much fun playing in the yard it was hard to get her back inside - lol!

Glad your winter blues are departing ...mine are clinging on ...maybe its coping with the medication and the thoughts of hospital appointments thats getting me down. I so want to be creative but as soon as I sit to create all imagination disappears.

I LOVE the bunnies and those cakes look SO yummy ....you cruel temptress lol. Your trips out sound such fun especially the grocery excursion ...wish I lived close by so I could join you.

Must get a good photo of out HP(honey Pot) she is so like your Izzy ...and she if feisty too.Hugs to you both xx

It's so nice to hear from you!! I love seeing your posts. I've been in a blog slump this past week. Not sure why. Your bunnies are fab! I love the new doll project and I can't wait to see how it will turn out. I think the holidays are very draining. I've always had a love/hate thing with Christmas. Nice to see those lovely kitties as well!Hugs,Courtney

Pat ~So good to hear that all is so much better in your life! I can't believe it's the middle of January either.I love those bunnies and that doll head you are sculpting ~ WOW! You sure look like a great scuptoress to me. What can't you do? Maybe it's all the help you get. {{grin}}Hugs :)Lauren

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About Me

My name is Pat and I am an eccentric old woman!
My husband, Zip, and I live in an 1860's brick farmhouse in rural south-central PA. We are lovers of gardening and cooking, as well as handcrafts. I have been a weaver, spinner, basketmaker, etc. since back in the 1970's I have been rughooking for about fifteen years, usually hooking my own designs. Zip is a flyfisherman and plays the guitar.
Last, but certainly not least, our lives are blessed by the companionship of six delightful cats.

Home is where the cats are...

Deiter, the Big Guy

Isabel "Izzy", shy but feisty

Penny, cute and fearless

Reggie, our teenage wild boy

Tipper, the Grand Dame

Millie, the loveable Wild Child

Cosmic Wizzard rug

Please note that the rug designs shown on my blog are either my own designs or someone else's.

They are copyrighted!

That means that you are not allowed to take them from here and reproduce them without the consent of the designer.

All of us who design rugs for rughooking are very appreciative of your interest in what we create. If you wish to hook one of these designs, please contact me and I will find out where you can purchase the pattern.

Moon and Stars Watermelon rug

I LOVE reading blogs! One after another....

My list is made up of blogs that reflect my current interests. I like to choose blogs that are active and updated often. It's a pleasure to have new reading material each morning with that first cup of coffee!